31John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 28, 1778: I received on the 25th by Mr. Haywood your letter of the 15th, and have from Capt. Tucker the list of provisions; the officers will inspect them tomorrow. The mast has delayed the work.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 63.
32John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 2 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives, University of Virginia Library <Passy, August 2, 1778: Captain Jones requests the commissioners to supply him with copies, or allow him to copy, the following letters: M. de Sartine’s letter to the commissioners about Capt. Jones, their answer, the commissioners’ letter to Lieut. Simpson resulting from Capt. Jones’s proposition in...
33James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 29 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, June 29, 1778: The frigate Oiseau convoyed a schooner out of the bay and returned with a prize, a Jersey privateer, which had on board three Marblehead seamen as prisoners. On their release I sent them on the frigate to Brest, where Capt. Jones will doubtless receive them.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 242–3.
34John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 12, 1778: I have received offers from every forge from Angoulême to Bayonne for the cannon you commission me to purchase. None will promise to complete delivery before February and the arsenals cannot loan any. Thus I have decided to contract with the forges of Petigore [Périgord]. No ships have arrived from America the last three days...
35Pierce Powers to the American Commissioners, 22 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Brest hospital, June 22, 1778: I was wounded in the engagement with the Drake , and am recovered enough to go home. Now that I can no longer serve my country, please get me passage as soon as possible. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 231. Jones had corroborated his story some weeks before: ibid. , p. 164. He obviously got no reply, for on July 7...
36John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 6, 1778: Since Captain Tucker left I have had to settle additional charges, of which I enclose details. The conspiracy has been diligently investigated by the intendant, but nothing can be proved. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 185–6. He left Bordeaux on May 17 and put to sea on June 6: ibid. , p. 109 n. He is referring back to a...
37Berubé de Costentin to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, September 4, 1778, in French: In accordance with your request of August 15, Thomas Wilkinson left yesterday for St. Pol de Léon. I await your orders regarding the prisoners here.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII .
38Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, May 13, 1778, in French: The farmers general have informed me that Capt. Tucker of the Boston has refused to allow their agents on his vessel because she is a warship. We must know whether she is, or merely a privateer; once you have established that, she will be treated like the ships of...
39Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 11 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <On board the Boston , Bordeaux, April 11, 1778: I shall careen my ship next Tuesday, and hope to be soon ready for sea; Mr. Bondfield will expedite matters. You will have sent Capt. Palmes, I hope, before this reaches you. I shall be happy to hear from you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 27–8.
40Gérard to the American Commissioners, 30 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai recu avec la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré, la traduction que vous avès bien voulu me faire remettre. Je rendrai compte du contenu de votre lettre et je travaillerai sans delai à l’examen de la traduction. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une consideration respectueuse Messieurs Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur Addressed: A Messieurs /...
41Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, April 29, 1778: I have received your orders but cannot carry them out immediately; repairs will take another two weeks and more. Mr. Livingston will be my second lieutenant, and I am obliged to you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 73. In the commissioners’ letter of the 13th they had recommended Livingston as first officer, but Adams...
42Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Mrs., la lettre que vous m’avez [ fait ] l’honneur de m’écrire en faveur du S. Mc neil; je l’ai fait passer à M. de Sartine au département de qui l’affaire dont il est question ressortit, et je ne doute pas que ce Ministre ne donne une attention particuliere à vos representations. In Rayneval’s hand....
43Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, June 30, 1778: Six Russian ships of the line are reported to have arrived in England, with six more to follow; the officers are British and the crews Russian. Three are ordered to be docked and surveyed in Sheerness, three in Portsmouth.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 244.
44Sartine to the American Commissioners, 1 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives J’ai reçu, Messieurs, les quatre Recommandations que vous avez bien voulu m’adresser pour des navires Anglois, et je vous prie d’en recevoir mes remercimens. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de Consideration, Messieurs, votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur Nov. 30.
45William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Pierre, Martinique, June 16, 1778: The General has been informed of the Franco-American treaty of alliance and commerce. If it changes the political or commercial system or relations with foreign powers, or binds the contracting parties to act in concert, I should know its terms so that in my small way I can co-operate as the American agent in the West...
46Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 25 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: I had my mast condemned by a jury of six carpenters, three merchant captains, and Mr. Bondfield. You would have told me, I assume, if you intended to load cargo; I have therefore begun to take in ballast. The King’s officers are enticing men from me for the army; I retrieved five today who were about to embark for St. Martin’s....
47Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 7 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, September 7, 1778, in French: We have just received by Mr. Whitall the book of notes and coupons. To begin the negotiations we need only your orders about the expenses and allowances above the stipulated five-percent interest. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . The commissioners’ covering letter of Aug. 31 apparently had been separated.
48John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 18, 1778: The comte de Fumel informed me yesterday that M. de Sartine instructed him to give American warships the honors due to those of foreign states. The careening of the Boston will be finished this evening.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 38.
49John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 23, 1778: Our only news is the official reception of the Marquis d’Almadovar. He leaves tomorrow for six days in Paris, and is not expected to reside long in London. No word of the Boston .> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 232. Almodóvar, the new Spanish ambassador to St. James’s, was charged with discovering what Britain would...
50Geoffroy Chalut de Verin to the American Commissioners, [before 6 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Chalut de Verin prie Messieurs Franklin, Monsieur Dean et Le Chevalier Lée de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner [mardi 6] janvier Jour des Roix. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / A Passy The farmer general: above, XXIV , 348 n. The “Jour des Roix” or Epiphany, Jan. 6, must have been in 1778: a year earlier BF was not in Passy, and a year...
51Musco Livingston to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 21, 1778: I received yours of –– [August 31], and will answer on my return to Nantes where I have left the relevant papers. I have a very fine ship ready to sail immediately and will gladly take two or three hundred tons of the public goods now at Nantes. Since I am unfamiliar with the terms and conditions of shipment, write me your...
52Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Repondu à la Lettre de Mr. A. Lee, du 8. Extrait de la Lettre de Mr. Stey[?] du 17. et de LLF [La Lande et Fynje] du 15. Messagers d’Etat envoyés dans les provinces et generalité &c. We have expanded his abbreviations. The names in the second sentence are virtually illegible. The States General, he wrote the committee for foreign affairs on...
53Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, [before 31 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg attendra vendredi 31e juillet Messrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams chez Esprit Libraire au Palais royal a deux heures precises, pour avoir l’honneur de les conduire en une maison du voisinage, ou on sera tres flatté de les recevoir. BF ’s old friend and former translator. This note was written on the verso of a letter from Genet of July 23 which, we are...
54Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 30 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of receiving this day the Commission, and Instructions from Congress, which you were so obliging as to send me. Accept of my thanks, and believe me to be with great regard Gentlemen Your most Obedient Humble Servant Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjamin Franklin / Silas Deane, & / Arthur Lee Esqrs. As commissioner to Tuscany, enclosed in the...
55Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 26 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library <Versailles, April 26, 1778, in French: When the Boston arrived, the King’s order to treat American warships as those of an ally had not reached Bordeaux. Such ships must identify themselves when they enter harbor as men-of-war; private vessels never receive a salute.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 57–8.
56Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg a l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour a Monsieur Franklin, Monsieur Deane et Monsieur Lee; et les supplie d’accorder une audience favorable a M. Bayard qui a des objets importans a leur communiquer, et sur l’honneteté et la solidité duquel ils peuvent compter avec la plus parfaite assurance. Notation: Notes of no Consequence Bayard & Cie. was a...
57Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Abstract: Algemeen Rijksarchief Envoyé la Dépêche de Stockholm, sur l’établissement des fabriques de Lames, etc. et l’importante Lettre allemande de Berlin 10e Mars, traduite. The Swedish dispatch was doubtless the one in his above of March 13, and the letter from Berlin a continuation of the earlier one there.
58The Marine Committee to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress <York, Pa., June 10, 1778: Twenty-eight twenty-four-pounders and twenty-eight eighteen-pounders are needed for a ship now building at Portsmouth; please send them there or to Boston at the first opportunity. If the Boston and Providence are in France, they may carry them. In that case please load an equal...
59James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 1 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, August 1, 1778: The Boston and her three prizes sailed this morning. Captain Tucker accidentally mentioned to me your orders to load some goods, but as the wind was fair he decided not to wait for them. I can freight them for you at reasonable terms on a French ship I am sending to America next month. I am much obliged to Mr. Franklin for...
60James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 4 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, May 4, 1778: A schooner arrived today from Virginia with news that the state levies were leaving at the end of March to join Washington’s army. Spirits were good and the army well clothed, but all the ports were blockaded.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 80–1.
61Sartine to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress <Marly, June 3, 1778, in French: I have your letter of May 16 and must decline your request for a frigate to protect ships sent to America by Basmarein & Raimbaux; His Majesty does not wish for the moment to detach any for private purposes.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 180.
62William Lee to the American Commissioners, 17 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, September 17, 1778: I wish to confer with you on an important and profoundly secret subject; I will wait on you at any hour tomorrow at noon or afterwards when you are alone.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . Lee had been in Paris several days and planned to remain there no longer than three weeks: Ford, Letters of William Lee , II , 472,...
63Jonathan Trumbull to the American Commissioners, 29 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress <Hartford, May 29, 1778: This comes by Capt. Robert Niles of the Spy , a state schooner, who brings dispatches from Congress. Lead is in short supply here; please load as much on the Spy as the Captain thinks wise, and advance him what he needs for his expenses and wages.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 169–70. For...
64Puchelberg & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <L’Orient, August 26, 1778, in French: We refer to our letter of the 24th and to the arrival of the General Mifflin , Captain Daniel McNeill. McNeill wishes to sell the recaptured French ship [ Isabelle ]. Since his commission and those of his officers conform to Captain Tucker’s, it may be necessary for him to report his captures to Tucker and divide the...
65Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed you by Mr. Joseph Fichet Armeture De Le Scarboucle of 22 Guns 6 pounders, which is now at this port and is thought to be one of the fastest Sailing Ships belonging to France, she is now out of repair or would answer our purpose very well. She is very Old and will want a very heavy repair. As the Gentlemen intends rebuilding said Ship...
66Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, [before 29 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thot before this to have given you an acct. of our departure; nothing Hinders but wind and weather. Shall forward the accts. &c. at my Departure, and write you fully; I recivd Mr. Franklines Inclosing Mr. Boudiens; also a Letter from Mr. Lee Informing of a spy’s being in Lorient; the time of sailing and the way I intend to go is a matter that remains...
67Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 10, 1778: M. Montaudoüin has learned from Mr. Kergariou, commander of the French frigate Oiseau , that the Guernsey and Jersey privateers which infest this bay provision in Bilbao under pretense of being American. I hope this practice can be stopped.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . This prominent Nantes merchant, identified...
68From Thomas Barclay to the American Commissioners, 26 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
This day Week we arrived here, Since which I have had two audiences from His Majesty, the first a public one, and the second a private one of yesterday. It is but a few minutes since I heard that a Courrier will depart this Evening for Daralbeyda , and I have not time to enter into particulars. It will be agreable however for you to know that the last draught of the treaty is made, and will...
69Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters of Introduction, 6 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented you by Monsr. De Foligné Commander of a french Frigatte belonging to Mr. Montieu. He is lately arrived, after a successfull Voyage, from South Carolina, and comes to Paris on Business. I beg leave to introduce him to you as a Gentleman of exceeding good abilities in his profession and much attached to the american Interest, which he...
70Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; variant copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, June 27, 1778: In my last letter I told you that I could take aboard some of the goods which, Captain William Jones informed me, you wish to send. In that case I should be glad to know so that I may load the ship accordingly. Masts are so expensive that I have repaired the lower ones, and believe they will...
71Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have received your Favour of the 3d Instant. I have concluded as the shortest and cheapest way to send a Boat out with a French Officer from this place, who has my particular orders relative to his Business. I find that the person you direct me to consult with is returned to [ blank in MS ] I shall therefore write you from thence in a day or two, to which...
72Domenico Caracciolo, Marchese di Villamaina, to the American Commissioners, 8 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society Je suis persuadé, qu’il est deja a votre Connoissance, que le Roy des Deux Siciles mon Maitre á ordonné de tenir ouverts les Ports dans tous ses domaines au Pavillion des Etats Unis de L’Amerique au moyen de quoi pour eviter tous espece d’equivoque dans ces tems, que la mer est couverte des armateurs de differente...
73Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les nouv[elles] de Hambourg du 10e, le Mercure de Janvier et l’article de Nantes 6e fevrier dans la gazette de Leide Suppl[ément] No. 14 &c. The news from Hamburg was doubtless another report from his correspondent in Berlin; the one in his letter of Feb. 10 came via Hamburg. The issue of the Mercure is impossible to trace. The news...
74The Duke of Dorset to the American Commissioners, 26 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
Having communicated to my Court the readiness you express’d in your Letter to me of the 9 th. of December to remove to London for the purpose of treating upon such points as may materially concern the Interests both political & commercial of Great Britain & America, and having at the same time represented that you declared yourselves to be fully authorized & empowered to negotiate— I have been...
75William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 5 April 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I this day received from the Secretary of States Department a letter from the Count D’Expilley inclosing one from Mr. Lamb, copies of which I have the honor to transmit for your Excellencies information. Messrs. Lamb and Randall left Barcelona the 11th. Ulto. After their Departure I procured a letter in their favor from his Excellency the Ct. de Florida Blanca to the Ct. D’Expilley which I...
76Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, October 27, 1778, in French: Last Saturday [Oct. 24] I received your letter of October 10. The Grand Facteur is very satisfied with it. Our friend [van Berckel] was pleased and assured me several times it would make a good impression on the burgomasters of Amsterdam. He strongly...
77Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 5 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library The Books upon Cavalry did not arrive till to day, they were therefore too late for the Mere Bobie. I shall now put them on board of the Massachusetts, where, as she has 14 Guns and is a very good sailor, I imagine they will be equally safe. Count Polouski and his two companions will also embark in this Ship, the...
78Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 19 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <On board the Providence , Brest, August 19, 1778: I wrote you from Paimboeuf on July 31; since then the Boston joined me and on Aug. 8 we proceeded in company to Brest, delayed by unfavorable winds until the 14th. I found here that Lt. Simpson had obeyed my orders of July 24th in quickly preparing for sea. But I was surprised to...
79The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Library of Congress, Harvard University Library <York, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1778: The British commissioners have arrived, sent their credentials to Congress, and received the answer printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 20th. General Clinton, now commanding the British army, evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th and...
80Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives <Nantes, September 24, 1778: I received your letter of the 14th [13th] only yesterday covering one from Capt. Richard, together with the documents relative to the cargo of rice and indigo shipped by A[braham] Livingston of Charles Town. The person in charge of the vessel, M. Peltier du Doyer, tells me that, on orders from M. de Beaumarchais, he has already sold the...